Delusions

Dementia can cause a number delusions, illusions, obsessions even hallucinations. I empathize with you as you navigate handling this with your husband. When my dad’s became to the point that he was distressed or agitated I discussed it with his doctor and he prescribed medication that really helped. I found that trying to convince someone who has these illusions or delusions that they are mistaken is useless. I often said we’d address it later. I’d keep saying that until the obsession faded. The medication helped calm their thinking and manage anxiety.

@celia16
Would you mind sharing what medication helped with the distress and agitation?

@trishaanderson , sure….everyone is different, but my dad took daily meds for Alz consisting of Aricept and Namenda. He also took Sertraline for anxiety and depression (many dementia patients have substantial depression and anxiety). My dad also had Conversion Disorder even before the Alz, and he took Xanax as needed for that. Usually 2-3 pills per month. When his agitation and compulsions began to cause him distress he was prescribed a small dose of Seroquel. If you read about this med make sure you discuss it with his doctor. Precautions about this med can make one wary, but the benefits are often worth it to many patients to bring them relief.

My cousin took daily Cymbalta for depression and anxiety. She also took Seroquel at night. She didn’t have Alz, but had Vascular dementia. At the time meds for Alz were not recommended.

Something else to consider if it fits your situation is a daily senior center. I wish we had insisted my dad go when he had more mobility. It would have given him something to do and us a break. Also, folding clothes, word circles, etc. can help distract.

My wife has all the same delusions, illusions, obsessions even hallucinations as your husband and we have tried all of the medications that have been previously mentioned but has worked for my wife has been CBD. We have to travel to another state to get it but it's worth a trip.

@tunared I was just going to ask if anyone had tried gummies! I take them for sleep and drink for relax but afraid to try on husband as he is drug sensitive. Little goes a long way. I use thc and cbd. Get mine thru mail tho live in California so could go to shop. I see respite gummies advertised. Haven’t asked doctor yet

@cnutt my wife's MD says there is not enough research on CBD to show that it could be recommended. In other words, we are on our own if we try them. All I can say is they work for my wife.

@cnutt I also live in CA and get gummies through the mail. My DH and I have been using them for sleep for a few years, he was semi-diagnosed almost a year ago (still piecing together a real diagnosis). I take small pieces, sometimes, to get past some of his ever changing personalities and my own anxiety. I looked up the respite ones you spoke of and will look further into them. Thank you for your post and God bless.

@celia16
Celia, thank you for your quick and detailed responses. My husband is also taking Namenda, Zoloft, and Trazodone, trying to control his agitation and distress. Thankfully, Cannabis is legal in our state and sold at very nice state run dispensaries. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. Mid-afternoon, before his sundowning starts, I offer him a small bowl of nuts and cut-up gummies that I call "trailmix"!
It's frightening for me when he gets upset, and the gummies just take the edge off. BTW, our Internist is very supportive.

@trishaanderson , wow, that’s good to know. Not legal in my state. So……my mom could benefit. Maybe one day. She doesn’t have dementia, but much physical and mental pain.